Hope – Red Tent Living

Wilderness Moms Club

By: redtentwomen June 11, 2018June 10, 2018

Day to Day, relationshipsBe Held, Christy Nockels, Hope, Kelsi Folsom, Mothering, River of Grace, Single Mom, Toddlers, Twins5 Comments

It’s been one month since he left. I stood in the airport taking in every detail of him that I would miss for the next seven months. We walked hand-in-hand from the check-in gate to security, marveling that once again we would be saying goodbye. Although we spent the year leading up to our wedding…

Shifting Seasons

By: redtentwomen March 9, 2018March 9, 2018

Day to DayAnticipating Change, Hope, Mallory Redmond, Pregnancy, Remembering6 Comments

I’m finding myself in a strange sort of liminal space as I await the birth of my daughter. She’s with us, but not quite here. We’re standing at the threshold of what will be, counting down the days until we can fully step into this new season of life.

Magnificent Hope

By: redtentwomen January 4, 2018January 4, 2018

Day to DayDutch Caribbean, Expat Living, Hope, Kelsi Folsom, Mothering toddlers, Saba6 Comments

We all went home to dark houses that night. Saba’s Christmas Spirit had tripped the power. Again. Imagine the holiday fervor of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, except an entire island. The phrase “dripping with lights” would not be far from the truth. It is a wonder to behold, and a necessary indulgence.

Forever unfolding.

By: redtentwomen September 22, 2017September 17, 2017

relationshipsBroken Engagements, Death, Ecclesiastes 3:11, Hope, Katy Johnson, Resurrection, Singleness, Weddings5 Comments

“I’ve decided God is about the things that come really easy or really, REALLY hard. Everything else is just me believing if I give the right amount of effort, I’ll get the result I want. Life is a lot of me pretending I have my act together.”

Permission

By: redtentwomen August 18, 2017August 18, 2017

Day to Day, relationshipsChristy Barber, Hope, Recovery from Abuse, Therapy8 Comments

“You have my permission to consider all men as bastards until they individually prove otherwise.” That sentence shook me awake from my mental flight.

Invitation to Desire

By: redtentwomen July 13, 2017July 9, 2017

Day to DayHope, Natalie Sum, Proverbs 13:12, The Prodigal Son4 Comments

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life -Proverbs 13:12 It seemed harmless to open the invitation until I read the job description. It could have had my name engraved on it.

First Time

By: redtentwomen July 3, 2017July 3, 2017

relationshipsGrandmothers, Grandsons, Hope, Mary Jane Hamilton, Recovery from Eating Disorder, Redemption, Telling Your Story18 Comments

“Hey, Mimi, I read your book.” I was slightly caught off guard as I began to wonder what prompted my 17-year-old grandson to be reading my book at this time of his life. My mind swirled a bit as I speculated as to where this casual conversation may take us.

Last Words

By: redtentwomen May 30, 2017May 28, 2017

Day to Day, relationshipsDeath, Grief, Hope, Losing a parent, LPGA, melanoma, processing grief, staying present in grief, Tracy Hanson11 Comments

“I’m going to get off the phone now.” “Mom, tell me you love me.” “I love you honey.” “OK mom, I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” “OK, goodbye.”

Look to the Heavens

By: redtentwomen May 25, 2017May 20, 2017

Day to DayGrief, Hope, ICU, Losing a parent, Maryhelen Martens, recovery from loss3 Comments

A small stream of light struggles to break through a crack between the window blinds in the darkened room. The persistent beep from the nearby machine hums. It is annoying, as it reminds me I am in the ICU.

No End in Sight

By: redtentwomen May 22, 2017May 20, 2017

Day to DayAnxiety and Sensory Diagnosis, Bethany Cabell, face your fear, Hope, Parenty a special needs child30 Comments

One year has passed since the day we walked out of the neuropsychologist’s office with another diagnosis for our son.